According to the FAAs body mass index guidelines, Im not obese but, like many Americans, I should lose some weight. Ive long known that I should retrain myself to reach for an apple-or better yet a carrot-when Im hungry, instead of some chocolate or junk food. Yeah, Im workin on it, um, real soon now. Now, the FAA is, too.
The FAA has issued new guidelines requiring Aviation Medical Examiners to refer pilots with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40 for a sleep study, citing concerns about obesity-related sleep apnea and potential pilot fatigue.
Pilot organizations like AOPA and EAA, along with the author, strongly object to this directive, arguing there is no scientific data linking high BMI or sleep apnea to increased accident rates, making it an unnecessary and burdensome regulation.
The author suggests other factors like demanding flight schedules and general fatigue are more significant safety concerns, noting that new, broader FAA rest requirements for airline pilots are already being implemented to address fatigue.
According to the FAA’s body mass index guidelines, I’m not obese but, like many Americans, I should lose some weight. I’ve long known that I should retrain myself to reach for an apple—or better yet a carrot—when I’m hungry, instead of some chocolate or junk food. Yeah, I’m workin’ on it, um, real soon now. Now, the FAA is, too.
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